This funding call supports international collaborative research and development projects in industrial biotechnology under the Eureka “Biotech-Call for Network Projects”. On the German side, funding is provided under the framework programme “Future Technologies for the Industrial Bioeconomy” and is specifically focused on industrial biotechnology. The call is designed to accelerate the transfer of innovative biotechnological processes and products into industrial application through cooperation with European and international partner countries. In doing so, it aims to strengthen Germany’s innovation ecosystem, industrial competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and the resilience of cross-border value creation networks.

The call is closely aligned with the Hightech Agenda Germany, which identifies biotechnology as one of the country’s priority key technologies. Industrial biotechnology is positioned as a major enabler for a resource-efficient, sustainable, and competitive industry. Against the backdrop of global market dynamics and geopolitical challenges, the call emphasizes the importance of international cooperation between science and industry. The Eureka framework is used to connect relevant actors across borders and foster the joint development of scalable biotechnological solutions.

Funded projects must be application-oriented, pre-competitive R&D projects in industrial biotechnology with a significant contribution from small and medium-sized enterprises. The projects must be carried out as international Eureka collaborations and address one or more thematic areas defined in the German framework call. These include sustainable bioprocesses for industry, novel bioeconomy-based products, and disruptive approaches in the industrial bioeconomy. Example topics include sustainable biotechnological production processes using renewable carbon sources such as biogenic residues, CO2, or secondary raw materials; biotechnology-based production of platform and fine chemicals as alternatives to fossil-based products; process development for the production of ingredients, additives, and innovative biofunctionalized products; and the development of new foods through precision fermentation or cell cultivation of animal cells.

A strong focus is placed on industrial relevance and practical transfer. The products and/or processes to be developed should have high industrial usability and must aim at increasing the technological readiness level. The expected TRL progress from project start to project end must be clearly stated in the proposal. The call is targeted primarily at SMEs. Collaborative projects involving SMEs together with additional scientific and/or industrial partners are possible, but consortia without SME participation on the German side are not eligible. A significant contribution from the participating SMEs is mandatory.

To qualify, projects must involve at least two partners from two different Eureka partner countries participating in the call. In addition, the Eureka 70/30 rule applies, meaning that participants from one single country may not account for more than 70 percent of the total project costs. For German participants, the funding per partner should generally not exceed 500.000 Euro, including project lump sum where applicable. The funding is awarded as a non-repayable project grant. The application procedure is two-stage: first, an English-language Eureka project proposal must be submitted electronically via the Eureka portal; second, selected German partners are invited to submit a formal national funding application.

This funding opportunity represents an early draft that has not yet been officially approved by the European Commission. It is expected that details of the calls will change until finalization. The final, approved version is expected to be published by End of 2025. This draft is provided for informational purposes and may be used to preliminarily form consortia and develop project ideas, but it is offered without any guarantee.

Opening: 31.03.2026
Deadline(s): 25.09.2026